Milan Design Week is a destination that I always look forward to attending, as it offers a glimpse of the latest design scenes, trends, and ideas from top Italian and European designers and brands in one place. From Salone del Mobile to Fuori Salone, the city opens up palazzos, showrooms, and unique venues with special installations and presentations.

This year, I had the pleasure of spending four days in Milan- two days for Salone del Mobile and two days for Fuori Salone - but I still felt that it wasn’t enough time to see all the amazing things and enjoy some slow moments. So, I plan to stay longer next year!

Here are some of the design trends and ideas that I loved from Milan Design Week 2023.

Fur, boucle, and Textures

I saw many lounge chairs, sofas, ottomans, cushions made with fur, either long or short hair, and more shaggy rugs. Although this trend might not be for everyone, especially for families with kids and pets, its softness and warmth make it quite attractive.

Boucle was still very popular. It has become a classic and basic option that won’t go away anytime soon. I saw not only white boucle but also different colors, which added interesting textures and character to spaces.

Textures are something we need to consider when making a space feel cozier, warmer, and more interesting. Fabrics such as fur and boucle, or plastered walls are just some examples.

textured Glass

I saw beautiful, textured, and organic feeling of glasses everywhere, from coffee tables to side tables, dining tables, and lighting. They were beautifully imperfect, and the color variation was so diverse.

Dark Bronze/Brass finishes

Dark bronze/brass finishes have been a personal favorite of mine for years. I find this color more appealing than black because it’s softer, feels well-aged, and adds elegance to any space. It can be used for window/glass door frames, bathroom fittings, or door handles. The collaboration between Louise Polsen and Fendi Casa caught my attention and they produced the iconic PH light collections featuring yellow glass shades and an aged brass finish.

Stripe & dainty graphic patterns

When it comes to patterns, I’m a fan of smaller-scale and classic designs, like stripes, dots, and gingham checks. Throughout the event, I discovered a pattern called Tiger Beat from Dedar Milano that really caught my eye. This graphic yet subtle design was used for cushions, sofas, and other decor items.

Live with Colors

Colors are coming back, and I saw a lot of orange-salmon-pink, yellow, and blue shades used not only as wall paint but also furniture, art, decor, and soft furnishing.

One trend I enjoyed was lighting fixtures with colorful hues.

I wasn’t a fan of color LED lamps, but I found that orange tones could create a warm and inviting atmosphere without being cheesy. Blue and purple tones were unique but more suited for special occasions. Halo edition by Mandalaki can easily bring more colors and blend into our daily lives. The Ettorino BIG floor lamp from Catellani & Smith added a similar effect to the Halo edition but it projected a beautiful light spectrum towards the ceiling, which I think is very clever!

Several lighting collections caught my eye as well, such as Tom Dixon’s metallic glass lighting and the Ray, JUD, and Joy Circle lamps designed by Draga & Aurel have lovely pastel tones that create a soft yet uplighting atmosphere.

Artistic and emotion-evoking lighting

While modular and architectural lightings serve a functional purpose, beautiful lighting is essential for any space. It adds character and elevates the overall ambiance of a room. Statement lighting pieces, especially those that are artistic, hand-made, and evoke emotions, can make a space unique and add a touch of personality. Lighting is not just a functional element; it can tell a story.

Dramatic lighting designs such as those that look like ropes and beads dropping from the ceiling can be very captivating.

One lighting brand that has caught my eye since a few years ago is Emotional Lighting, whose fixtures have a poetic and artistic touch and evocative quality that I appreciate.

Portable lamp: So many designs out there!

I Personally own a Follow-Me lamp from Marset, and I always recommend my clients have at least one portable lamp, such as the Como or Flowerpot from &Tradition. They are convenient and allow for more lighting sources without worrying about not having enough sockets. During Milan Design Week, I saw an abundance of portable lamps. Every lighting brand had a few options, giving us a wide range of choices to consider.

One of my favorites is Knokke from DCW éditions, which are not only functional but also beautifully designed. For a more sophisticated look, there were also portable lamps with alabaster or patterned glass with bronze or brass bases..

Artisanal living (FT. artemest)

Before attending L’Appartamento, I already loved browsing the Artemest website. Their collection is so unique, and some items are quite affordable. So, seeing their collections in person was a real treat. I’m drawn to artisanal living as I find handcrafted pieces exude a special aura that can add character and interest to any interior. Their collection didn’t disappoint - each item felt truly one-of-a-kind.

Statement Mirrors

Mirrors are not just functional; reflecting light and objects, extending the room, creating a visual effect that's hard to ignore.⁠ Hanging a mirror at eye level is like adding a key piece of art to your wall. It can anchor a space, bringing it all together, and drawing the eye towards it.

I came across many unique mirrors that mixed different materials and textures, making them stand out as artful elements on their own.

In some cases, they even integrate lighting, adding another layer of dimension and functionality. Se|eS appears to be a mirrored disk on both sides but can also illuminate and reflect its surroundings.

Comfy seatings

Comfy seating is crucial for creating a cozy and inviting living area. This year, I noticed a trend towards generously sized and comfortable sofas and lounge chairs. These seating options create a more relaxed and informal atmosphere in the room.

The line between indoor and outdoor furniture is becoming increasingly blurred, with outdoor furniture now resembling indoor furniture in terms of design and comfort.

Fabric on the wall

I saw some great examples of finishing walls, panels, and doors with fabric which I tend to forget. While delicate materials may not be the best choice, thicker and sturdier fabrics can create a warm, cozy, and natural feeling in the space. It was great to be reminded of its potential to add a touch of elegance and unique character to interior design and I’ll keep this in mind for the next projects.

Music and sound are essential

I’ve experienced that music and sound played an essential role in creating a dynamic space. Curating a playlist for each room or activity can significantly enhance the ambiance of the space, setting the tone and creating a story that encourages people to stay longer and enjoy the mood.

Milan Design Week is an event that never fails to amaze and inspire me with its unique blend of classic design and new trends. But, beyond the trends and products, Milan Design Week is a reminder of the importance of design in our lives. It's about how we interact with our surroundings, how we express ourselves, and how we make our homes more comfortable and inviting.

Overall, Milan Design Week 2023 was a success, and I'm already looking forward to attending next year's event to see what new ideas and trends will emerge.